Courage

Courage is the strength to stand up
When it's easier to fall down and lose hold.

It is the conviction to explore new horizons
When it's easier to believe what we've been told.

Courage is the desire to maintain our integrity
When it's easier to look the other way.

It is feeling happy and alive, and moving forward
When it's easier to feel sorry for ourselves and stay.

Courage is the will to shape our world
When it's easier to let someone else do it for us.

It is the recognition that none of us are perfect
When it's easier to criticize others and fuss.

Courage is the power to step forward and lead
When it's easier to follow the crowd; their pleas resound.

It is the spirit that places you on top of the mountain
When it's easier to never leave the ground.

The foundation of courage is solid,
The rock that doesn't roll.

Courage is the freedom
Of our mind, body, and soul!

(Author Unknown)

A Dark New Love

I know I ranted on my previous post, and I thank you for reading. It's Friday and I'm starting to feel myself again. I also found a new love.

I've always been a milk chocolate person, but with this new Dove raspberry and dark chocolate swirl, I won't hesitate to indulge with this dark new love from time to time.

Raspberry swirls are oh-so-lovely and delish.

What's your new love these days? A wonderful weekend to all.

Cat Kettle

I was browsing at Pier 1 Imports and this kettle caught my eye. I would have bought it but I already own two tea kettles, so I took home a photo instead. I just wanted to share some smile and cuteness this Monday.

Happy Monday!

All I Want For Christmas

I'm super excited about  All I Want For Christmas, an exchange gift swap between bloggers, which is being hosted by Prinsesa's Anatomy. Click here to read the mechanics and to participate.

Okay, here's my wish list:

Something small: a phone charm
Something big: kulinarya cook book
Something cute: stationery/writing pads
Something soft: teddy bear or hello kitty or kim sam soon's pig stuff toy :)
Something techie: blackberry
Something fancy: dslr camera
Something (insert your favorite color): pink or baby blue
Something wearable: necklace or bracelet
Something you need: a journal notebook
Something you can use for work: monthly planner (small size)
Something sweet: anything milk chocolate but milk pastillas, dates, kinder bueno, or cloud 9 will do

All I Want For Christmas:  I am not picky and I will appreciate any present(s) given. On the more specific side, I'd love anything pink/blue and cute. But for this Christmas, all I want is to be home with my family.

I Love Apples

Fall is easily becoming my favorite season of the year.  Apart from the cooler temperatures, there are so many festivals going on especially in the area where I live.  This year, I couldn't resist the allure of apple picking and I do hope to do this every year.

A weekend spent with sweetness...

 like Red Delicious Apples

 these red delicious were so juicy and sweet

 apple blossom

 mutsu apples

a wagon full of sweetness

 spent the afternoon relaxing on a blue mat

munching on delicious apple fritters

 driving home with fresh baked apple pie

 topped with vanilla ice cream

a perfect way to end a fun filled, sweet day

Autumn Is In The Air

I am definitely feeling autumn.

It's not just the crisp, chilly mornings, but everywhere I look - colors are changing. There are also numerous festivals going on in the area. Since it is the harvest season, people are out apple picking or pumpkin hunting. A few blocks from where I work, DC is celebrating the first Free Street Food Event, and I could already hear my coworkers rambling about going.

I am feeling festive today. The pressure is off as my company's last board meeting of the year concluded yesterday, and that I am looking forward to a long weekend. Three and a half to be exact since my office closes at 1 PM on Friday. I can finally breathe and just cruise through the end of the year.

This fall, I have so many things to look forward to:

• drive to the Shenandoah National Park and marvel at Virginia's fall foliage
• apple picking and eating apple fritters
• more time off from work - I've accumulated 140 vacation hours.
• November trip
• half days and holidays
• possibly spending New Year at home in Hawaii
• family birthdays
• work holiday luncheon
• holiday bonus
• my blog to be included in PEBA's Top Ten Blogs for 2010. (Please vote here.)

I am thankful for everything in my life.

A Yummy Post

There were two things I indulged in during my vacation in Ontario - pastries and bread. Somehow, the bread and pastries tasted better in Canada; it must be a psychological thing. But anyway, here are some bread and pastry shots.

Let's drool!

Beautiful blueberry bloom donuts

Cute gingerbread cookies

Cheese bagel with cream cheese - I've had this twice for breakfast.

Chocolate croissant - this is a favorite from Tim Hortons

That's a lot of chocolate :)

Bread, bread, and more bread - I went in a whole freezer of just bread.

Rustic buns

And yes, I went home with three bags of bread - cheese sticks, bear claws, and raisin bread. I ate some during the drive home. It's true, man can't live by bread alone, but some coffee and pastries too.

How Do You Eat (Frame) Your Marshmallow Peeps?

I was in awe when I found this Peeps Store at the National Harbor. Ever had one of those ooey gooey, lip smacking marshmallow Peeps? I love marshmallows and I love marshmallow Peeps.

 Giant marshmallow candy - I think this would make a perfect pillow, mushy and sweet.

 Framed Peeps

 Bunny marshmallows

And yes, the framed ones are made of real Peeps.

Spring Necklace

I won this beautiful spring necklace from sari-saring kulay's birthday giveaway in July, and I love it to bits.  I was so delighted when this necklace finally arrived in my mailbox a few weeks ago. I think it's a perfect everyday wear to work. Also, I love that bookmark that came with a cute, mini wooden clip. 

Thank you so much, Caryn.

And if you like handmade stuff, don't forget to check Caryn's etsy shop here.

Happy Tuesday!

Chocolate Love

There are days I just indulge with chocolate.

And with every bite I take, life's troubles seem so faraway.

(Kayni)

 I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process....

It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?

 I never met a chocolate I didn't like.

 (Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) in Star Trek: The Next Generation)

 There are four basic food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and chocolate truffles.

 All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!

(Lucy Van Pelt in Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz)

Caribou Inspires

DC Metro was delayed again yesterday (this happens twice (or more) a week and this is in addition to the broken escalators and elevators - very disappointing transportation system!), so instead of fighting my way through a packed crowd, I decided to have a cup of coffee at Caribou Coffee and wait it out.

I've always liked Caribou Coffee especially that they have nicer, friendlier staff (Metro Center location) and really delicious dark chocolate drinks. I also love their breakfast selections and that I am a fan of their maple brown sugar crunch oatmeal. Anyway, while drinking my cup of iced mocha and scribbling my Metro frustrations on my journal, I noticed that there were quotes/messages on the napkins and my drinking cup. On a bad day like this, these inspirational quotes were just what I needed. Caribou did a great job on this. I spent my time at the cafe reading and writing them down on my journal.

Today, I'd like to share them with you. The ones in blue are my favorite quotes. Read through them and tell me your fave quote or quotes.

Stay awake for -

Maxing out your passport

ghost stories around the campfire

Adopting a four-legged friend

Playing an instrument
Break dancing

Luscious, oh-so-delicious chocolate

• don't wait for new year's to make a resolution
• spin the globe then pack your bags
• have a favorite charity
• sing out loud!
• be the first to apologize
• pour yourself a cup full of karma
• dance in the rain
• learn to say thank you in ten languages
• step 1: rake leaves; step 2: jump
• only look back if it makes you smile
• be the ruler of your own life
• indulge in chocolate therapy
• you'll only be your current age
• savor every sip
• dare to adventure
• be the first to enter and the last to leave the dance floor
• lighten up
• marshmallows have no nutritional value and that's ok
• life is too short, stay awake for it

Sweet And Salty

Yesterday, I was in munchy mood.

I'm a Hershey Milk Chocolate girl, but I do eat M&M's once in a while. So when I saw this bag of the new Pretzel M&M's at the cafe, I grabbed it so swiftly; I don't know if it was just mere curiosity of the new product or I'm just feeding my sweet cravings. The next time I know I was opening that sweet bag in the elevator back to my office. If you like chocolate covered pretzels, then you might like this one too. It certainly has the crunch and saltiness of a pretzel that blends so deliciously with the sweetness of the milk chocolate and the candy shell.

How about you? What's your favorite candy or chocolate bar?

Notebook Love

In response to Wifely Steps entry, Notebook in my Bag, I also carry a notebook in my bag. Nothing beats having a notebook and pen in hand when a great idea comes to mind. I bought this notebook in Hawaii when I went home to celebrate my 31st birthday. I love the Hawaiian themed cover because it reminds me that I'm carrying a piece of aloha with me wherever I go. It also makes me feel close to home all the time.

If I were to allow you to peek into my notebook, you'll see a hodgepodge of thoughts from what I'm feeling about work and life, weekend must-dos, shopping lists, recipes I'd like to try, blog ideas, my top ten world destinations (which seems to change every month), to what I'd like to eat for dinner. I also paste my favorite funny comic strips and cut out sweet notes from family and friends which I revisit when I am feeling low. This notebook isn't just an absorber of my stress and crazy moments, but also a source of laughter and encouragement.

Sometimes, when I'm so stressed at work, I usually get away from my computer and write on my notebook to relieve the stress. It helps me refocus and get back into working mode. This notebook is half-way full, so I might start looking for a new notebook soon.

How about you? Do you carry a notebook too?

Therapy - Prescribed By Dr. Kayni

Whenever I'm sick (and even homesick), I'd find myself craving for Filipino food (always).  Most of the time, I'd end up making any form of sinigang (usually pork or shrimp).  After carefully preparing the dish, I'd prepare a bowl and eat with a big spoon (for better soup scooping), and with the utmost anticipation, blow cold on every spoonful of that sour soup, and savor every sip that takes me back to memories of my childhood days - such is the power of food.  My other form of get-well therapy is raiding the nearest Filipino or International store and shop for familiar Filipino/Asian snacks that reminds me of home; that's exactly what happened to me this week.

The damage? (drum roll please...)

A box of Choco Pie, bag of Salt & Vinegar Cracklings, three Tamarind mixes, two Pinapaitan mixes (I don't know how this will taste as it's my first time buying them.), a bottle of Banana Catsup, two bags of Canton noodles, two Lucky Me Lomi/Batchoy noodles, and a Korean snack similar to Tohato.

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Of course, after shopping, I had to stop by Krispy Kreme and got my two current favorites:

Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles

Fresh and warm Original Glazed

A fine and donuty (is that even a word?) weekend to all!

Las Vegas: For The Chocoholic

I confess! I am a sweet tooth, a chocoholic. Apart from frequenting Chocolate World at Hersheys, I also made sure I visited all the sweet places in Las Vegas.

M&M WORLD

You can't miss this yellow and red at the Strip

So much more than candy

The Phantom of the M&M World is here

Pick your facial expression

Cute mugs

What a colorful world

Pick your favorite and fill that bag with M&Ms

SUGAR FACTORY

In my past visit to Vegas, I wasn't aware of Sugar Factory, and I'm not really sure when they opened a shop there. I was excited to visit their store and had my fill of marshmallow bears covered with milk chocolate (There goes my waistline).

Here's a quote from their site: The Couture Lollipop combines a striking design and contemporary fashion in a deliciously sweet confection that is wonderfully portable and ever-changing. Sugar Factory has created bejeweled and custom handles you can pair with a rainbow of lollipop flavors to create your own custom sweet sensation. Match your mood, outfit, or special occasion with Couture Lollis. Birthdays, weddings, bachelorette parties, and holidays are perfect occasions for the Couture Lollipop. The flavors and color combinations are limitless. (Source: http://www.sugarfactory.com/index.php/page/about_us)

Couture lollipops galore

Rubber duckies

I thought the lollipops were cute with the added bling, but what are you going to do with the stick after you eat the candy.

GELATO SHOPS

The place abounds with gelato shops, so feel free to try them. Dropping by a shop can be a treat for the eyes and for samples.

Gelato shop in the Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood)

Pick your flavor - I went for my fave "fragola" (strawberry)

GHIRARDELLI

Another cool spot to visit is the Ghirardelli shop

I ordered a scoop of ice cream here. They have lot of chocolates and sweet merchandise to choose from.

Nothing beats freshly made hot fudge

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If you like to read about Pink's Hotdogs in Las Vegas. Go to Edible Hunts.

A chocoholic Thursday to all!